As the son of two public school educators and a member of the Science and Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, I recognize and support the need to make worthwhile investments in education, especially in our teachers. We must also improve our recruiting programs to make teaching an attractive career option for our best and brightest coming out of college, and this legislation helps create the necessary incentives to do just that.

The “10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act” will encourage universities to build model programs to recruit high school students into the field of teaching and expand funding for the professional development of our current teachers. Students who show interest in pursuing a career in teaching will be eligible for scholarships as well as early mentoring and field experience that will put them on a streamlined path toward teaching.

A dramatic investment in America’s teachers will not only help to build a world-class science and technology workforce, but also a prosperous economy in the global community.  Teaching America’s youth is a responsibility we have to the future of this country, and I will continue to work in Washington to provide the necessary federal resources to ensure that the educational needs of future generations are fulfilled.

Members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation said the designation is a small token of appreciation for the work of Judge Howard who served Arkansans as a remarkable lawyer and civil-rights leader.  The federal building and courthouse to be named after Howard is located at 100 East 8^th Avenue. 

“Throughout his life and career, Judge George Howard believed deeply in the fundamental idea of justice for all,” Ross said.  “Judge Howard’s distinguished service on the Arkansas State Claims Commission, the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals and as a U.S. Federal Judge paved the way for African Americans in Arkansas to pursue careers in public service and the judiciary. He was admired for his fairness and will be forever remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his family, his work, his state and his country.”

"Judge Howard's hard work, dedication to his country and profession, and historic contribution to the State of Arkansas should be celebrated and remembered.  For this reason, I am proud to raise awareness in the Senate about his life and legacy, and honored to shepherd this legislation through Congress." said Pryor.

"Judge Howard was a true pioneer becoming the first African American in Arkansas to hold a number of state judicial positions and to be appointed as a federal judge," said Lincoln. "His many contributions to civil rights and the legal community have made a lasting impact on our state and our nation. I am proud to support legislation that will honor Judge Howard’s legacy."

As Arkansas' first black federal judge, Howard was named by President Carter to a lifetime appointment as U.S. District Court Judge for Arkansas's Eastern and Western districts in 1980.  Prior to this office, Howard worked as an attorney in private practice and served as President of the State Council of Branches of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP).  Howard graduated from law school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1954.  He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

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